Extra Session?

Before Congress convened last month, the President let it be known that he did not expect to call an extra session of the new Congress before December next. He pointed out that, as far as the question of revising the income tax law was concerned, it would be useless until the close of the fiscal year (June 30) when it can be seen to some degree how the present law is working. If no extra session is called, Congress will not meet from Mar. 4 until the first Monday of next December. It has been guessed that the President might summon an extra session early in the fall.

But political quidnuncs are beginning to ask whether the President may not be forced to call an extra session at an earlier date. They reason thus: Congress has been in session for one month. There are only two months left before it must disband on Mar. 4. The House has passed three appropriation bills. The Senate has not begun consideration of even one of them. If it does not do so soon, there is bound to be a last-minute rush with the opportunity for a filibuster, which might prevent their passage. In such an event, the President would practically be forced to summon an extra session during the spring.

This contingency is not impossible, but that Congress or a few of its members might adopt such drastic tactics is far from probable.